You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.
1a) Study Source E
Can we believe what source E says about the pro-baby incentive?
Explain your answer. [7]
Issue: Singapore's Population Policies
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Source A: Adapted from Singapore's Population Data by Age Group [1970-2000]
year 0-4 years
1970 235456
1980 185840
1990 223403
2000 213 278
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Source B: Adapted from an article in The Straits Times,2003
It is a long-term trend that as economics around the world improve, people have fewer children. Here, however, the economic downturn has worsened the situation. with more people delaying starting a family until times are better. Mr Chan Soo Sen, who heads a programme to promote marriage and families, commented that many couples delay because families are not a priority. Singaporeans admit that they are pragmatic people who calculate the value of everything,
i ncluding the costs involved in having children.
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Source C: An adapted comment by a female government servant, who is a mother of 2 boys, published in The New paper, 2004
The government should be more accepting when it comes to new mothers taking no-pay leave. I was passed over for promotion because I asled for 4 months no pay leave, after delivering my second child. It was disappointing and devastating to find out that my boss would not hold the position for me. I had worked extremely hard for it, and proven my ability throughout my years in service. I found out,that by taking no pay leave, promotions and pay increments are withheld. Why am I being penalized for wanting to be a good mother and wishing to spend time with my young children?
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Source D: A couple sharing their views on the procreation issue
"There is no urgency or moltivation for us." gymnasium owner, Mr Teong said. "Sometimes, pressure from our families and seeing friends who have become parents sometimes prompt us to think about starting a family, But these are fleeting thoughts. Seeing friends with their children reminds me that I'm getting on in years, but we are too busy with our careers and too comfortable with our lifestyle to make any changes," he added.
His wife highlighted the stressful education system here, and costs as further deterrents. They are both adamant that they don't want their lives to be dictated by anyone. They stress that they will start a family when they are ready.
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Source E: A local professional sharing her perspective on the pro-baby incentives introduced in 2004 and 2005
Couples not too certain about whether or not they want children, are being swayed, due to the government's attractive package to start a family. That being said though,they are quick to add that it's not all about the money. Dr Low Ee Ling, an academic, is concerned that she won't have enough time to spend with her child. What she likes about the package are the longer maternity leave and 5-day work week. She believes that it is important to bring up a child holistically,looking beyond the financial, to encompass spiritual and emotional support as well. The latter two, should be in fact the top priority for the child's well-being.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source A: Adapted from Singapore's Population Data by Age Group [1970-2000]
year 0-4 years
1970 235456
1980 185840
1990 223403
2000 213 278
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source B: Adapted from an article in The Straits Times,2003
It is a long-term trend that as economics around the world improve, people have fewer children. Here, however, the economic downturn has worsened the situation. with more people delaying starting a family until times are better. Mr Chan Soo Sen, who heads a programme to promote marriage and families, commented that many couples delay because families are not a priority. Singaporeans admit that they are pragmatic people who calculate the value of everything,
i ncluding the costs involved in having children.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source C: An adapted comment by a female government servant, who is a mother of 2 boys, published in The New paper, 2004
The government should be more accepting when it comes to new mothers taking no-pay leave. I was passed over for promotion because I asled for 4 months no pay leave, after delivering my second child. It was disappointing and devastating to find out that my boss would not hold the position for me. I had worked extremely hard for it, and proven my ability throughout my years in service. I found out,that by taking no pay leave, promotions and pay increments are withheld. Why am I being penalized for wanting to be a good mother and wishing to spend time with my young children?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source D: A couple sharing their views on the procreation issue
"There is no urgency or moltivation for us." gymnasium owner, Mr Teong said. "Sometimes, pressure from our families and seeing friends who have become parents sometimes prompt us to think about starting a family, But these are fleeting thoughts. Seeing friends with their children reminds me that I'm getting on in years, but we are too busy with our careers and too comfortable with our lifestyle to make any changes," he added.
His wife highlighted the stressful education system here, and costs as further deterrents. They are both adamant that they don't want their lives to be dictated by anyone. They stress that they will start a family when they are ready.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source E: A local professional sharing her perspective on the pro-baby incentives introduced in 2004 and 2005
Couples not too certain about whether or not they want children, are being swayed, due to the government's attractive package to start a family. That being said though,they are quick to add that it's not all about the money. Dr Low Ee Ling, an academic, is concerned that she won't have enough time to spend with her child. What she likes about the package are the longer maternity leave and 5-day work week. She believes that it is important to bring up a child holistically,looking beyond the financial, to encompass spiritual and emotional support as well. The latter two, should be in fact the top priority for the child's well-being.
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